On the hunt for the coolest family tours.
Africa: High-End Pampering
On Feb. 1, Kenya announced several tourism incentives for world travelers, including that all visa fees for children under the age of 16 be waived, a push to attract travelers to the country and East Africa. With that in mind, we thought we’d highlight African Travel Inc.’s 8-day A Maasai to Mara Luxury Safari itinerary, spending one night in Nairobi, three nights in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and three nights in Maasai Mara. Throughout their wanderings in Kenya, families will get a front row seat to diverse eco-systems that play host to endangered species such as the Grevy’s zebra; they’ll learn to do like the locals while discovering the unique customs and colorful adornments of the Maasai and Samburu tribes; get as close as they dare to crocodiles along the Mara River; and spot nocturnal wildlife while on a game drive. Accommodations are at indulgent camps, where hammocks, garden-shrouded pools, and champagne toasts with views of Mt. Kenya are the order of the day. Rates for the remainder of the year start at $7,655 pp. africantravelinc.com
Europe: Wandering Through Kerry
Vagabond, which offers small group adventure tours of Ireland, has a new 8-day Kerry Uncorked tour that debuts in May. The highlights alone speak to the experience your clients are in for: becoming a shepherd for a day; horse-riding on the Dingle Peninsula; sea-kayaking and foraging for food in West Cork; cycling in Killarney National Park; surfing an Atlantic wave; meeting local artisan food producers and craftsmen and seeing them at work; glamping in safari-style tents overlooking the sea at Dromquinna Manor; and staying in a family-owned stately home. While hopscotching through Kerry, visitors will take in Ireland’s highest mountain range, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks; the stone walls of Dingle; and the hidden inlets and coves of West Cork, among other fascinating spots. Another highlight is the overnight in the small town of Kinsale, which is included in a Vagabond itinerary for the first time, and is considered Ireland’s gourmet capital. Rate is $1,837. vagabondtoursofireland.ie
Asia: Exotic Adventure
Cox & Kings invites you to dive head first into the wonders of Southeast Asia on its new 10-day Thailand & Cambodia: A Family Adventure. There are elephant rides, bamboo rafting, treasure hunts, and culinary treats…and that’s just in Chiang Mai. There are also floating markets to visit; temple sightseeing; paddle boat rides through a labyrinth of canals; elephant rides; cooking classes and Buddha spotting. Families start their adventure in Bangkok, then head to Chiang Mai, both in Thailand, and then top it off with a 4-day stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The itinerary is part of Cox & Kings’ Select Private Journeys, which means there are set departure dates (April through October on a bi-weekly basis) and pricing (through March 2017 rates begin at $3,580). coxandkingsusa.com
